[2] It and the rufous-tailed (Galbula ruficauda), white-chinned (G. tombacea), bluish-fronted (G. cyanescens), and coppery-chested jacamars (G. pastazae) are considered to form a superspecies.

The male's head, upperparts, and a band across the chest are metallic coppery green, somewhat bluer on the face.

[3] The green-tailed jacamar is found from eastern Colombia's Vichada and Meta Departments east through southern and eastern Venezuela south of the Orinoco River to the Guianas and south in Brazil to the lower Madeira and Tapajós Rivers.

It inhabits the borders, but not the interior, of several humid forest types including terra firme, várzea, gallery, and mangrove.

It has been documented breeding February to March in Venezuela, in May, June, and August in Suriname, and in April and September in Brazil.